David Cameron commits to referendum on Europe

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David Cameron has pledged to implement a referendum into Britain’s membership in the European Union (EU) if the Conservative Party wins the next election.

Speaking in London, the prime minister said that a key element of his party’s 2015 election manifesto would be to negotiate a new role for the UK within the EU.

“And when we have negotiated that new settlement, we will give the British people a referendum with a very simple in or out choice. To stay in the EU on these new terms; or come out altogether,” he added.

Cameron went on to claim that he believed it would be possible to arrange a new deal with the EU, which would make it more “flexible” and “adaptable.

However, the decision came under fire from Labour party leader Ed Miliband, who claimed the speech would make the prime minister look “weak”.

“Britain needs a prime minister who is making change happen now in Europe, ensuring that we put jobs and growth ahead of austerity and unemployment,” he said.

Cameron explained that should the EU agree to become more open, he would campaign for Britain to remain in it with his “heart and soul”.

The prime minister was set to give his speech early last week, but made the decision to cancel it due to the ongoing hostage crisis in Algeria.